Drama in Protest
A major protest by nomadic communities in Bengaluru turned dramatic when a woman attempted suicide by pouring diesel on herself, raising serious concerns and widespread anger against the government’s handling of the issue.
The protest, held at Freedom Park on September 10, saw thousands from the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama communities gather to oppose what they claim is an unscientific classification of internal reservations by the Congress government. Leaders including B.Y. Vijayendra, MLA Chandrappa from Holalkere, MLA Prabhu Chauhan from Aurad, and former MP Umesh Jadhav attended the protest in solidarity.
In the midst of the agitation, a woman named Veena expressed her frustration, saying, “We have been sitting here since morning, leaving our homes and livelihoods behind, but Siddaramaiah’s government is ignoring our plight.”
The protest escalated when demonstrators, raising slogans and blowing whistles, attempted to march towards the Legislative Assembly at Vidhan Soudha. Police intervened and blocked their path, leading to tense scuffles. Protester Rajiv questioned, “Who gave the police the right to touch us?”
The incident, particularly the suicide attempt, highlighted the desperation and hopelessness among the communities affected by the reservation policy. Organizers and attendees condemned the government’s lack of response and demanded immediate action to resolve the issue.
